2014 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WM63 RFF

A clear pattern of suspension and underbody wear emerges across the DVSA history of this twelve-year-old Fiat 500, with advisories consistently pointing to bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers rather than catastrophic structural defects. The most recent test on 28 February 2026 returned a pass, but it carried five advisories, a notable increase from the typically lighter advisory count seen in earlier years. Front brake discs were flagged as pitted or scored, the near-side front shock absorber showed light oil misting, the near-side rear lower coil spring was noted as corroded, and an off-side front suspension arm pin or bush was recorded as worn. The same off-side front suspension bush advisory also appeared on the February 2025 pass, demonstrating that this particular component has been a recurring observation across two consecutive tests. While the vehicle has not failed an MOT since the February 2024 attempt, which was down to trivial items including insufficient washer fluid and headlamp aim, the trend on suspension and braking components warrants close attention. Mileage accumulation has been broadly typical for the vehicle's age, with 77,269 miles recorded against a twelve-year life, equating to roughly 6,439 miles annually. The MOT history shows annual testing from 2023 onwards, suggesting the car has remained in regular use without extended periods off the road. There are no large gaps between test dates that would imply long-term storage, and no sudden mileage jumps between tests that would suggest inconsistency or clock-related concerns. At this annual rate, wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components is consistent with a car that has been used as intended for its class and age. Routine replacement of these items should be expected, but the absence of any irregular usage pattern means there is no special concern from the mileage profile itself. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas on physical inspection are the front suspension and braking components flagged on the most recent test. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension, particularly over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, as worn suspension arm pins and bushes are a known failure point on this platform and can progressively deteriorate into excessive movement if left unaddressed. The brake pedal should feel firm and progressive; any judder under braking or pulsing through the steering wheel would suggest the pitted front discs have worn beyond their service limit and require replacement. Both front tyres were previously flagged as worn close to the legal limit on inner and outer edges, which can indicate either incorrect tracking, worn suspension geometry, or simply ageing rubber, so the tread pattern and even wear across the current tyres should be carefully examined. The rear suspension and exhaust system also merit direct inspection. The near-side rear coil spring corrosion advisory from February 2026 should be visually checked for any surface rust scale or, more seriously, any cracking or deformation of the spring itself, as corroded coil springs on a small city car of this age can fail without much warning. The earlier exhaust leak noted on the front section in 2024 may or may not have been resolved, so a check under the vehicle for soot staining, hissing on startup, or unusual exhaust drone is worthwhile. Finally, a careful look around the shock absorber body for fresh oil residue, beyond the light misting already recorded, will help determine whether the unit is deteriorating. Given that all advisories to date remain minor and the car has consistently passed its tests, this Fiat 500 represents a fundamentally roadworthy vehicle whose ongoing maintenance costs will centre on the suspension and braking consumables typical for a small hatchback reaching its mid-teens.